Chhattisgarh: Hopes rise for conservation of historic Gondwana Marine Fossils Park and its 29 crore year old fossils
Raipur: Hopes have been raised for support from the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, for the conservation and development of the historic Gondwana Marine Fossils Park located in the Hasdeo region of Chhattisgarh. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, Hitler Singh, visited the park during his inspection of the coal mines in the Hasdeo area and assured that necessary steps would be taken for its development. Gondwana Marine Fossil Park is located in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district.
According to information received from the District PRO on Saturday, upon his arrival at the park, the Additional Secretary was welcomed by the District Nodal Officer of the Archaeology and Tourism Department, Vinod Pandey, who apprised him of the park's significance.
Park is a unique repository of 29 crore-year-old Gondwana-era marine fossils
Pandey explained that the park is a unique repository of approximately 29 crore-year-old Gondwana-era marine fossils, which are evidence of the country's geological heritage. He also showed him the cactus garden and interpretation center located within the park premises.
During the visit, Pandey also informed the Additional Secretary that a proposal of approximately Rs. 8 crore had been prepared by the Forest Department in 2015 for the overall development of the park. Discussions were also held on the plan to construct a dedicated archaeological museum near the park. He clarified that such a museum would not only ensure better preservation of this historical heritage but would also promote educational tourism.
National Geological Monument Status Granted
The Gondwana Marine Fossil Park was discovered in 1954 by geologist S.K. Ghosh during coal mining operations. Fossils of marine organisms such as bivalves, gastropods, brachiopods, crinoids, and bryozoans have been found here. Its significance lies not only in its vast area but also in the fact that it is the only marine fossil park in India to have been granted the status of a National Geological Monument. Based on the geological structure of the area, it has been classified as part of the Talchir Formation, which holds a significant place in Earth's geological history.
Detailed proposal to be prepared
Additional Secretary Hitler Singh appreciated the efforts being made for the conservation of this heritage site and assured all possible support. He suggested that a detailed proposal be prepared and sent to the Ministry of Coal through Collector D. Rahul Venkat so that further action can be expedited.
On this occasion, Manas Pal and Chetan Gaud from the Ministry of Coal, Chief General Manager (Mining) Anil Kumar from SECL Headquarters Bilaspur, Chief General Manager of Hasdeo Area Manoj Bishnoi, Chief Medical Officer of Central Hospital Sanjay Kumar, Lovekesh Gupta, and several other senior officials were present.